UEFA Champions League

Genk 1-1 Chelsea: David Luiz penalty miss proves costly as Vossen equalizer ensures Blues still have work to do

Getty Images

By Alex Fisher

0

Nov 1, 2011 5:37:00 PM

Chelsea rues missed Luiz penalty as Vossen earns Genk a famous point after Ramires opener had set Andre Villas Boas' side on its way

Chelsea’s bad week continued to its European exploits after being held to a 1-1 draw by Genk in the Champions League.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires opened the scoring for the Blues midway through the first half, however a missed first half penalty from David Luiz inspired the hosts to make a comeback and equalize through Jelle Vossen in the second half and claim a memorable point for the Belgian side.

The game’s first clear chance came in the 24th minute and it led to Chelsea’s opening goal. Ramires picked the ball up on the right of midfield and set off on a surging run towards the Genk penalty area, as he neared the 18 yard box he exchanged passes with Fernando Torres and the Brazilian fired low through the legs of Koteles from a tight angle.

Chelsea was in total control and the chances kept coming for Andre Villas Boas’ men. In the 34th minute they had a great opportunity to double their lead, Ashley Cole delivered a perfect cross for Ramires but the Brazilian was unable to get his header on target from five yards.

Raul Meireles had been influential for Chelsea and the next opportunity fell to the Portuguese midfielder and although he beat Koteles he was denied by the woodwork. Torres controlled a long ball out of defense and rolled the ball into the path of Meireles who let fly from 30 yards but it smacked against the crossbar.

A crazy 10 minutes ended with Chelsea’s best opportunity to double the lead as it was awarded a penalty after a Malouda cross was handled by Thomas Buffel. The midfielder appeared to move his hand towards the cross which left the referee with no choice than to award the spot kick. In the absence of Frank Lampard David Luiz stepped up to take the penalty but Koteles saved his effort diving to his right.

Opener| Ramires lashes in Chelsea's first goal

The hosts came out for the second period fired up and ready to take the game to Chelsea and get them back into the game and two chances within a minute lifted spirits of the home support.

Six minutes into the half Tozser played a neat ball into the impressive De Bruyne inside the penalty area, but his shot was easily saved by Cech in the Chelsea goal.

A minute later the Czech goalkeeper was called into action again, this time an excellent run from Vanden Borre ended with a pass into Kennedy Mwanganga in the penalty area. He let the ball come across his body but as he got he shot away it was saved by Cech who had spread himself to deny the striker.

Chelsea’s attempts to ease the pressure were in vain as the hosts got their first Champions League group stage goal to level through Vossen. De Bruyne and Fabien Camus combined down the left, before the midfielder fired in a low cross into the penalty area and it was Vossen who got on the end of the cross and he fired into the back of the net.

Daniel Sturridge and Lampard combined to create a brilliant opportunity for the midfielder, who missed a sitter. Sturridge raced clear down the Chelsea right before firing a low cross into the six yard box but Lampard was unable to turn the ball into the net from three yards with the goal at his mercy.

As the game entered the final 10 minutes Chelsea was back in the ascendancy and pushing for a winning goal, and the man at the center of everything was the substitute Sturridge. The youngster fired a long range shot towards goal but Koteles was again equal to it and denied the striker.

Chelsea thought it would steal the victory in the closing minutes but had watch in agony as Malouda's chip over Koteles was cleared off the line as the hosts hung on for a famous point.

Follow Goal.com on to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!